Kafilat Adetola Ogbara

I had the honour of presenting to the House the Committee on women’s affairs and Social Developments Reports on two bills that I sponsored, following their successful passage through Second Reading and extensive Public Hearings.

The first is the National Child Protection and Welfare Commission Bill (HB 2090), which seeks to establish a dedicated Commission to strengthen Nigeria’s child protection system. The bill provides a coordinated framework to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children, while promoting their welfare and ensuring the effective protection of their rights.

The second is the Older Persons Rights Bill (HB 2098), which seeks to guarantee the rights, dignity, health, and social and economic well-being of older persons. It provides a framework for healthcare, social protection, economic support, and safeguards against abuse, neglect, discrimination, and abandonment. Our senior citizens have spent their youth building families, communities, institutions, and our nation. They have given their strength, wisdom, and productive years in service to society. As they grow older, it is only just that society gives back by ensuring they can age with dignity, security, quality healthcare, and the support they deserve. A nation’s greatness is reflected in how it treats its children and how it honours those who came before us.

The presentation of these reports marks another important step towards the passage of these landmark bills. I appreciate the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social development, my colleagues in the House, stakeholders, civil society organisations, development partners, and all Nigerians who contributed their insights during the Public Hearings.

I remain committed to advancing legislation that protects the vulnerable, strengthens our institutions, and builds a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable Nigeria.